How to fix a broken water heater?

Adam Mitchell

1 minutes

A broken water heater can be a major inconvenience, especially during the cold winter months. Luckily, many common issues can be easily fixed without the need to call a professional. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix a broken water heater.

Table of Contents

Check the Power Source
Inspect the Thermostat
Check the Heating Elements
Flush the Tank
Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve

01Check the Power Source

The first step in fixing a broken water heater is to check the power source.
Make sure the water heater is properly connected to the power outlet.
Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.
If you have a gas water heater, make sure the gas supply is turned on.

02Inspect the Thermostat

If the water heater is not providing enough hot water, the thermostat might be the culprit.
Access the thermostat and check the temperature settings.
If the temperature is set too low, adjust it accordingly.
If the thermostat is faulty, consider replacing it.

03Check the Heating Elements

In electric water heaters, faulty heating elements can cause a lack of hot water.
Turn off the power to the water heater before inspecting the heating elements.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating elements.
If a heating element is faulty, replace it with a new one.

04Flush the Tank

Over time, sediment can build up in the water heater tank, affecting its performance.
Connect a hose to the drain valve of the tank and place the other end in a suitable drainage area.
Open the drain valve and allow the water to flush out.
Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
Close the drain valve and refill the tank.

05Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature of a water heater.
Check if the valve is functioning properly by lifting its lever slightly and releasing it.
You should hear a rush of air or see hot water coming out of the overflow pipe.
If the valve is not working, it may need to be replaced.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can often fix a broken water heater on your own. However, if the issue persists or if you are not comfortable performing the repairs, it is recommended to consult a professional plumber.

Methods	Details
Check the Power Source	Make sure the water heater is properly connected to the power source and check the circuit breaker.
Inspect the Thermostat	Check the temperature settings of the thermostat and consider replacing it if faulty.
Check the Heating Elements	Test the heating elements with a multimeter and replace any faulty ones.
Flush the Tank	Remove sediment from the tank by flushing it with water.
Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve	Check if the pressure relief valve is working properly and replace if necessary.

water heater

fixing

repair